THE SECRETS OF THE NCL HAVEN LUXURY EXPERIENCE

[Sthrngary]

7 hours ago, voyager1964 said:

Very thorough, interesting and informative - thank you very much!

Could you please clarify the room service issue. On our last cruise, we often used the room service during the daytime (not for breakfast). To this end, I would call their number and order from the room service menu that was available, even though the order would be delivered by our butler.

How do you order room service directly from Haven restaurant? 

 

Thanks,

Thank you for reading my document.  I learned this lesson the hard way.  I had a couple of below average room services and I asked my butler about it.  He said, you could always order from the Haven.  From this point forward, I would write that letter at the back of my book and make sure my Butler knew, Haven Food only unless they are not open.  As a bit of a hint, if you sun on the Haven Sun deck, ask your butler if he could serve lunch to you up there.  I love the burgers from the Haven.  Just a thought.

[Sthrngary]

On 4/14/2021 at 6:27 PM, HBCcruiser said:

I love that spreadsheet. Is there any way you can share the Excel version? Great info too BTW. 

Thank you -

 

Suggestions: - perhaps list some of your favorite specialty drinks from the Haven Bar and continue to report and make suggestions on other Haven suites. Guess that means more cruises for you! 😃

 

I have attached the excel below.  It is designed as a template so you can adjust it to your needs.  Enjoy

Cruise_Agenda_Template.xlsx

[BamaCruiser39]

@SthrngaryI haven't sailed in the Haven yet, but I plan on it sometime next year. I just wanted to say that all the detail you put in with your advice and your experiences in the Haven is greatly appreciated! 

[WarfRatWA]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

I have attached the excel below.  It is designed as a template so you can adjust it to your needs.  Enjoy

Cruise_Agenda_Template.xlsx 21.47 kB · 17 downloads

Hi Gary, thank you for the Haven Overview upload.  We'll be sailing in the Haven at the end of January 2022 with both family and friends and the Template will be quite helpful herding the cats, so to speak.  This will be our 2nd Haven stay and your overview will really enable us to maximize our enjoyment.

 

Bonus....our upcoming Itinerary on the Joy is same you have on the template.

 

I am thinking of employing your method of a written letter with tip to our butler (we had a negative experience with our butler on the Getaway).  The reason I want to change the past paradigm is that I have one teenager with food allergies.  On the Getaway we could never get our butler dialed in on this fact, even after a couple of conversations.  My hope is that if I provide a written letter regarding the specific allergies we might avoid the pitfall from the last cruise.  If you addressed this in your overview, I must of missed it.  My question is...do you track down your butler on the first day and deliver the letter?  How do you deliver the letter?

 

A note to folks who have or are cruising with someone who has food allergies.  NCL is phenomenal when it comes to food allergies.  The issue we had was with only with our butler and at day 3 we just cut him out of the loop.  Everyone else was absolutely spectacular.  Of note was the Haven Restaurant Manager.  That guy went above and beyond.  For instance, no matter where we were dining, he made sure my son had an allergy free dessert waiting for him, lunch and dinner.  He did that without our prompting or knowledge.  And it was a different dessert every time.  It really made our son feel 'normal'.  The haven staff was also dialed in regarding his allergy, the entire Haven staff.  Every time we dined at a restaurant (mostly at specialty restaurants), the servers were also clued in, after greeting us, they would ask who had the allergy, and then they worked through the possibilities and also confirmed with the Chefs.  Our son is allergic to Casein (protein in dairy) and red meat.  Basically allergic to the cow.  An allergic reaction would send us ashore to a medical facility, so we'd really rather avoid an exposure.  Being proactive is the only way to deal with it.  NCL made it very easy.  While you can never let your guard down, NCL sure enabled us to be at the lowest alert level we could be. 

 

Sorry for the side track, but thank you again Gary...NCL should make you a Brand Ambassador (if that is a thing).

[Treasure Hunter]

17 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

The Haven Restaurant is had lots of Keto option.  The Lunch Pork chop, the Hamburger without a bun was GREAT, Prime Rib, Salmon, Short Ribs, they have a great Cheese and Meat board, lunch had a Chef's salad.  I think you will have no issues on food there.  FYI, if you have a special request, just ask them.  You can look up the Haven menu on line and in Cruise Critic.  NOTE, the Haven Menu does not change, so use the Specialty Dining if you want a better variety.  

 

Remember, you have two nights in Specialty Restaurants also with your trip.  The sky is the limit on those as well.  

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

The Haven Bar has the best Mix-ologist on the ship. I usually did Tequila, Infused Vodka's, however, if you explain no sugar to them, they will make you something special.  Usually not crowed so they take their time with you.

You forgot the JUMBO  shrimp cocktails and the double rib lamb chops. YUM

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, WarfRatWA said:

Hi Gary, thank you for the Haven Overview upload.  We'll be sailing in the Haven at the end of January 2022 with both family and friends and the Template will be quite helpful herding the cats, so to speak.  This will be our 2nd Haven stay and your overview will really enable us to maximize our enjoyment.

 

Bonus....our upcoming Itinerary on the Joy is same you have on the template.

 

I am thinking of employing your method of a written letter with tip to our butler (we had a negative experience with our butler on the Getaway).  The reason I want to change the past paradigm is that I have one teenager with food allergies.  On the Getaway we could never get our butler dialed in on this fact, even after a couple of conversations.  My hope is that if I provide a written letter regarding the specific allergies we might avoid the pitfall from the last cruise.  If you addressed this in your overview, I must of missed it.  My question is...do you track down your butler on the first day and deliver the letter?  How do you deliver the letter?

 

A note to folks who have or are cruising with someone who has food allergies.  NCL is phenomenal when it comes to food allergies.  The issue we had was with only with our butler and at day 3 we just cut him out of the loop.  Everyone else was absolutely spectacular.  Of note was the Haven Restaurant Manager.  That guy went above and beyond.  For instance, no matter where we were dining, he made sure my son had an allergy free dessert waiting for him, lunch and dinner.  He did that without our prompting or knowledge.  And it was a different dessert every time.  It really made our son feel 'normal'.  The haven staff was also dialed in regarding his allergy, the entire Haven staff.  Every time we dined at a restaurant (mostly at specialty restaurants), the servers were also clued in, after greeting us, they would ask who had the allergy, and then they worked through the possibilities and also confirmed with the Chefs.  Our son is allergic to Casein (protein in dairy) and red meat.  Basically allergic to the cow.  An allergic reaction would send us ashore to a medical facility, so we'd really rather avoid an exposure.  Being proactive is the only way to deal with it.  NCL made it very easy.  While you can never let your guard down, NCL sure enabled us to be at the lowest alert level we could be. 

 

Sorry for the side track, but thank you again Gary...NCL should make you a Brand Ambassador (if that is a thing).

That itinerary is the Joy.  My cruise for the end of November 2021.  Glad I could help with that. 

 

I two was on the Getaway out of New Orleans.  I was in a Haven Spa Suite and had my letter ready to go.  No butler to be found.  So the room steward was there and I gave him the letter for the Butler.  Nothing for two hours then BINGO.  Seems the butler opened the letter, all of the "For Sale" items were taken out of the room, Champagne was replaced with wine, two huge bowls of nuts replace the sugared treats since my wife and I were on Keto.  Sad to say, the reality was I even had to find the butler.  Yet I did.  When he opened the letter and saw the $100.00 I think I got his attention.  In past decades, I would have never done that, ever.  I always tip at the end.  New days have new rules.  I hope I helped you hear.  Food allergies are super important, I know.

[Yinster]

Even if you never see your butler, you know he/she will have been in your cabin at least once a day with the afternoon snacks. 

 

We usually have an envelope with a letter, introducing ourselves,  asking if the mini bar be emptied and what snacks we like. No cash 

 

If you have any trouble locating your butler, ask the concierge. They are "head butler" so to speak and will help out. 

 

We are low maintenance so do most things ourselves. Our butler's only really need to bring our afternoon snacks and we are happy. But I guess we were spoilt with our very first one who chatted and check up on us more than once a day. Our second butler was non existent. Finally saw him the third day and reappear on the last day probably looking for his tip which was already in the cabin attendant's pocket.

Edited April 17, 2021 by Yinster

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, Yinster said:

Even if you never see your butler, you know he/she will have been in your cabin at least once a day with the afternoon snacks. 

 

We usually have an envelope with a letter, introducing ourselves,  asking if the mini bar be emptied and what snacks we like. No cash 

 

If you have any trouble locating your butler, ask the concierge. They are "head butler" so to speak and will help out. 

 

We are low maintenance so do most things ourselves. Our butler's only really need to bring our afternoon snacks and we are happy. But I guess we were spoilt with our very first one who chatted and check up on us more than once a day. Our second butler was non existent. Finally saw him the third day and reappear on the last day probably looking for his tip which was already in the cabin attendant's pocket.

My issues on Butlers with Mainstream Cruise lines was they were hit/miss.  Then I changed my approach.  Still some are better then others.  I do the same thing you do with the mini-bar with the exception of our next cruise on the end of November on the Joy.  For the first and last time, Bucket List Item, I have booked the Haven (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite.  The waters, soda's and other items in the mini-fridg are all complementary.  They also, for the first time in my 41 year cruise life, provide three bottles of Premium spirits. The only other time the Mini-fridg was complementary was on Luxury Brands.  As I said, this is a once in a life time event for my entire family.  Really looking forward to it. 

[Yinster]

The mini bar is the only thing I don't understand with NCL. You buy haven so you expect first class standards. Mini bar should be free then to Haven guest. It doesn't even have to be a huge selection. Just a taste of what people like. I don't even drink alcohol but I do like my soft drinks. In the UK if you buy a haven suite you automatically get all four packages including the beverage package.

 

This makes sense to me especially since I can call my butler to get me a drink and then he scan my pass. This will save all that.

[ColeThornton]

12 minutes ago, Yinster said:

The mini bar is the only thing I don't understand with NCL. You buy haven so you expect first class standards. Mini bar should be free then to Haven guest. It doesn't even have to be a huge selection. Just a taste of what people like. I don't even drink alcohol but I do like my soft drinks. In the UK if you buy a haven suite you automatically get all four packages including the beverage package.

 

This makes sense to me especially since I can call my butler to get me a drink and then he scan my pass. This will save all that.

 

Are you sure about that last part?  My understanding is that even with a beverage package if the Butler brings you drinks that is room service and the drinks are charged.

[Sthrngary]

18 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

Are you sure about that last part?  My understanding is that even with a beverage package if the Butler brings you drinks that is room service and the drinks are charged.

I can confirm this.  Even if your Butler brings you drinks, you will have to pay for them.  It does not matter what beverage plan you have.  Room service or butler service to the room will cost you extra. 

 

Now for the fixes. 

1. You are aloud to get two drinks at a time with either of the beverage packages.  Before going to your room, get two drinks at your closest bar.  
2. If you don't drink that much but want a few during the week.  Also, you don't have the drink package perk.  Order a bottle of sprits from Room Service.  It comes with mixers.
3. If you or your spouse like wine in the room.  Get the Premium Plus Beverage Package upgrade.  This allows you to get a full bottle of wine at meals.  What ever is left over you can take to your room.  This is a main reason I get the Premium Plus Beverage package for my wife. 

I hope that clarifies what I know to be how I was treated on board. 

[Yinster]

My mistake. To be honest we never ask our butler to do anything especially that so that my mistake. I thought room service was free for haven cabins? We usually just get drinks to take to our rooms. 

 

In the UK we get the drink package included and so don't pay for gratitudes on top. 

[Two Wheels Only]

3 minutes ago, Yinster said:

I thought room service was free for haven cabins?

 

Room service is included. Alcoholic beverage delivery is not. If you ask the butler for a pitcher of tea/soda/lemonade, etc., it is no charge.

[ColeThornton]

2 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

Room service is included. Alcoholic beverage delivery is not.

 

Correct.  This is mentioned in the Terms and Conditions for the Beverage Package.

[WarfRatWA]

4 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

My issues on Butlers with Mainstream Cruise lines was they were hit/miss.  Then I changed my approach.  Still some are better then others.  I do the same thing you do with the mini-bar with the exception of our next cruise on the end of November on the Joy.  For the first and last time, Bucket List Item, I have booked the Haven (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite.  The waters, soda's and other items in the mini-fridg are all complementary.  They also, for the first time in my 41 year cruise life, provide three bottles of Premium spirits. The only other time the Mini-fridg was complementary was on Luxury Brands.  As I said, this is a once in a life time event for my entire family.  Really looking forward to it. 

Hi Gary....so I think you just clued me in on to yet another perk.  We are booked in an H2 in January.  Are you saying all the items in the mini fridge are complementary in the H2 suite?    I had assumed it was like the other Haven suites and was chargeable to the onboard account.  Can you clarify?  Thank you.

[Sthrngary]

13 minutes ago, WarfRatWA said:

Hi Gary....so I think you just clued me in on to yet another perk.  We are booked in an H2 in January.  Are you saying all the items in the mini fridge are complementary in the H2 suite?    I had assumed it was like the other Haven suites and was chargeable to the onboard account.  Can you clarify?  Thank you.

On NCL, the owners suites and Three Bedroom Suites have a couple of special amenities.  With all do respect to NCL, for the price paid, they should.  

1. The (H2) Suite comes with three (3) bottles of premium spirits so you can have your own room bar.  They give you a list of choices and you can choose.  Some folks choose wine however I simply order a bottle using the Premium Plus drink program at a meal and bring that wine back to the room.
2. The mixers and waters are also complementary and refreshed daily.  
3. This suite comes with two lounge chairs and a dining table for four out on the balcony.  I would ask for an additional two Lounge chairs based on how many folks are staying in your cabin. 
4. Sometimes.  Let me emphasize this, SOMETIMES.  NCL gives H2 Suites a private and personal escort onto the ship from the port Haven Lounge just you and your guests.  This is special if it happens.  You can't count on it. 

I know it sounds like I am being cheap asking for "for sale" items to be taken out of our suite.  It is just the principle of the thing.  If there are beer or little once bottles of spirits, I am not sure if those are complementary.  I will be the first to ask when I get onboard. 

 

One more thing OFF topic.  Since we have the same agenda, may I suggest you consider the "Beach Villa" on the NCL private island.  It allows for 6 guest and it is a private sanctuary on that lovely place.  It is kind of pricy however it is one price for all six (6) and you can take the $50.00 off per on the fee.  From the port, they collect you in a golf cart and take you their.  I also booked everyone but my wife on the "Zip Line" on the same day.  Book these early because the get sold out.

 

My other favorite excursions is the "All-Inclusive Over the Water Bungalow".  On this one, my wife and got two (2).  The secret here is we had extra FCC which if used prior to the cruise could be used for excursions. One unit for us and one for my daughter and her partner.  The secret to these is to understand, the right there is awful.  The tender is always late, hot and damp.  Then the folks on the 45 minute bus ride are cranky.  It you know this upfront, you can set expectations.  Once you get their immediately start ordering tequila shots.  Jump in the water and make friends with the other there. Unless they give you the leave me alone vibe.  THEN, everyone does more Tequila shots in the water.  The bus ride back is awesome, i think, I can't remember.  Don't ask the drive to stop at the Fried Chicken place on the way back.  He won't.  I tried to bribe him and the tour guide said no.  The folks that you hangout with are your best pals for the rest of the cruise. 

 

I hope that over answered your question.  I am SO excited.  Can you tell?????

[Sthrngary]

45 minutes ago, WarfRatWA said:

Hi Gary....so I think you just clued me in on to yet another perk.  We are booked in an H2 in January.  Are you saying all the items in the mini fridge are complementary in the H2 suite?    I had assumed it was like the other Haven suites and was chargeable to the onboard account.  Can you clarify?  Thank you.

This is additional information directly from the NCL site.  See below:

 

There are select categories of Suite which come with specific additional amenities, too!  Guests booked into any Owner’s Suite or Deluxe Owner’s Suite receive three bottles of liquor from a special menu, along with unlimited mixers, sodas and bottled still and sparkling water. 

Guests booked in a Garden Villa receive six bottles of liquor along with unlimited mixers, garnishes, sodas and bottled still and sparkling waters.  The Garden Villa guests will also enjoy private car service at the conclusion of the cruise, to the airport or home if within a 25-mile radius of the port, and will enjoy a private escort off the ship, through Customs and directly to the awaiting private transport.

[copper004]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

This is additional information directly from the NCL site.  See below:

 

There are select categories of Suite which come with specific additional amenities, too!  Guests booked into any Owner’s Suite or Deluxe Owner’s Suite receive three bottles of liquor from a special menu, along with unlimited mixers, sodas and bottled still and sparkling water. 

Guests booked in a Garden Villa receive six bottles of liquor along with unlimited mixers, garnishes, sodas and bottled still and sparkling waters.  The Garden Villa guests will also enjoy private car service at the conclusion of the cruise, to the airport or home if within a 25-mile radius of the port, and will enjoy a private escort off the ship, through Customs and directly to the awaiting private transport.

In your experience with the DOS, have you ever asked for a few cans of beer to be placed in the emptied refrigerator? We have enjoyed the water, soda and mixers in the past. But sometimes, a cold can of beer just hits the spot! Or would this be a violation of the butler not bringing drink to the suite unless you are charged?

[sverigecruiser]

That the minibar isn't included and that drinks delivered to the cabin isn't included is two of the reasons why we prefer MSCs Yacht Club. We love the Haven but for a few years now the cost has been too high, especially compared to the Yacht Club. 

[Dr. Cocktail]

Thanks for your excellent review!!!  It brought back a lot of memories and had lots of great tips.

 

I was lucky enough to sail in The Haven and Yacht Club about a dozen times between 2014 and 2019.

 

Based on your and other's comments, it's too bad that The Yacht Club Haven doesn't exist!

 

It would solve the First World Problems I have with either line!

[Sthrngary]

16 hours ago, copper004 said:

In your experience with the DOS, have you ever asked for a few cans of beer to be placed in the emptied refrigerator? We have enjoyed the water, soda and mixers in the past. But sometimes, a cold can of beer just hits the spot! Or would this be a violation of the butler not bringing drink to the suite unless you are charged?

I want to be accurate here.  First, the only Haven suites that includes soda's, mixers and both types of waters is the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite or the Owners Suites.  All other Haven Suites those items are for sale.  Second, I think your idea of having an ice cold beer waiting on you it a great one.  I have never asked for this so I can not tell you if they would provide.  I know it is a charge for all suites in the Haven.  I don't know if the Owners Suites are an exception.

 

I will tell you, regardless of Suite Choice, I have had great luck with the Butler providing "One" bottle of wine in place of the really bad Champagne. This is usually done on day one with a request and my success ratio is about 75% getting it done.  

 

I hope I was somewhat helpful.

 

 

[Sthrngary]

5 hours ago, sverigecruiser said:

That the minibar isn't included and that drinks delivered to the cabin isn't included is two of the reasons why we prefer MSCs Yacht Club. We love the Haven but for a few years now the cost has been too high, especially compared to the Yacht Club. 

I see your point.  Here is my perspective.  I am just glad there is a NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club and Celebrity Retreat.  My family and I like the big ship experience.  My wife and I are in our 60's but half the fun is waiting younger folks having a ball.  Without those options listed above, we would be on a Luxury Brand, smaller ship, and the average age of folks onboard would be well above our age.  Not saying that is bad, just not the cruise experience we are looking for just yet.

[LiftingDad]

Sthrngary,

Best review I have ever read! I am thinking about a cruise with my son with MSC. What are the average ages of MSCs Yacht Club? I have never been on a MSC ship, not sure how well sorted out their gyms are, I lift daily. Feel free to contact me, Mark.

newsenmark@gmail.com

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, LiftingDad said:

What are the average ages of MSCs Yacht Club?

 

We have seen all ages. Families, older parents/grandparents, young children, etc. 

 

1 hour ago, LiftingDad said:

I have never been on a MSC ship, not sure how well sorted out their gyms are, I lift daily.

 

It depends on the ship but here are some examples....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise Critic did give MSC the "Best Onboard Gym" award in 2018 (Seaside and Seaview) and I expect that all ships after that will be similar or better. 

 

LINK

 

[oteixeira]

On 4/18/2021 at 10:26 AM, Sthrngary said:

I want to be accurate here.  First, the only Haven suites that includes soda's, mixers and both types of waters is the (H2) Deluxe Owners Suite or the Owners Suites.  All other Haven Suites those items are for sale.  Second, I think your idea of having an ice cold beer waiting on you it a great one.  I have never asked for this so I can not tell you if they would provide.  I know it is a charge for all suites in the Haven.  I don't know if the Owners Suites are an exception.

 

I will tell you, regardless of Suite Choice, I have had great luck with the Butler providing "One" bottle of wine in place of the really bad Champagne. This is usually done on day one with a request and my success ratio is about 75% getting it done.  

 

I hope I was somewhat helpful.

 

 

So the workaround here on the beer in the fridge is to go to the district and get your two drinks as bottled/canned beers and specifically ask them to leave them sealed as you are going to walk back to your room and don't want to spill in hallways and elevators.  If you and your guest/wife/SO do this together, that is 4 beers in your fridge for every time you walk by the district on the way back up to your room.